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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Form a Sustainable Retreat Amid Iceland's Landscape

Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Form a Sustainable Retreat Amid Iceland's Landscape
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Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, the structure integrates seamlessly into Iceland's volcanic landscape, offering a unique space for wellness and communal activities.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Features a central lightwell that extends 16 meters into the building for natural illumination.
04
Design includes accessible terraces connecting all floors, promoting outdoor interaction.
05
Therapeutic beer baths designed to reflect Iceland's volcanic landscape.

## Project Overview
Located in Iceland, the structure emphasizes a thoughtful relationship between the built environment and the surrounding volcanic landscape. The design reflects geological features and aims to enhance the sensory experience for its users by incorporating innovative architectural elements that respond to the natural environment.

### Spatial Organization
The project features a three-level layout, each selected for distinct functions:
- **Basement**: This level houses a brewery and souvenir shop, fostering community interaction through organic forms that create a welcoming atmosphere.
- **First Floor**: Dedicated to wellness amenities, this floor includes personal lockers, changing areas, and treatment rooms designed with privacy in mind.
- **Second Floor**: A more communal space, it contains a lounge and a beer-tasting bar, with a layout that promotes flow and interconnection between areas.

### Material Selection
A diverse range of materials has been utilized to strengthen the structural identity and usability of the building:
- **Wood**: Chosen for its sustainability and aesthetic harmony with the environment.
- **Concrete and Metal**: Structural elements are incorporated in the basement and main columns to ensure stability.
- **Glass**: Used extensively in the lightwell, it enhances natural illumination and contributes to the overall visual conception of the space.

This thoughtful choice of materials not only supports the structural integrity but also reflects the natural surroundings, reinforcing a sense of place.

### Distinctive Features
Key architectural elements enhance the overall experience:
- **Lightwell**: Descending 16 meters, this central feature brings natural light into all levels and creates dynamic shading that alters the atmosphere throughout the day.
- **Terraces**: Accessible from various floors, these outdoor spaces provide expansive views and encourage social gatherings, reinforcing the connection to nature.
- **Inclusive Bathing Facilities**: Inspired by volcanic formations, the beer bath tubs are designed to accommodate visitors with disabilities, ensuring an inclusive experience for all.

The design ultimately combines aesthetic and functional intentions, creating a space that promotes interaction, wellness, and a deeper connection with the Icelandic landscape.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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